Las Vegas Raiders need to address a position in the 2026 NFL Draft again after addressing it in the last draft
The Las Vegas Raiders may decide to go after an offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Las Vegas Raiders don’t have to take an offensive tackle early in the draft – their bigger need on the offensive line is definitely the interior – but this regime could very well find some guys they just can’t pass on. Right now, they have Kolton Miller on the new contract extension, and DJ Glaze, who hasn’t had as good a sophomore season as we thought he would.
So, they may want to get Glaze out of there and get one of their guys in, who knows. Or, they may have another Brock Bowers situation where they see a prospect early in the draft, like a Kadyn Proctor, that they just cannot pass on. This regime could also use the middle rounds to go after an offensive tackle, or they could skip the position altogether.
So, we’ve compiled a few prospects who will be spread throughout the 2026 NFL Draft that the Raiders should at least keep their eyes on.
Raiders’ 2025 NFL Draft class
- Round 1, Pick 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
- Round 2, Pick 58: Jack Bech, WR, TCU
- Round 3, Pick 68: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
- Round 3, Pick 98: Caleb Rogers, G, Texas Tech
- Round 3, Pick 99: Charles Grant, DE, William & Mary
- Round 4, Pick 108: Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
- Round 4, Pick 135: Tonka Hemingway, DT, South Carolina
- Round 6, Pick 180: JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
- Round 6, Pick 213: Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
- Round 6, Pick 215: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
- Round 7, Pick 222: Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
Offensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft for the Raiders to watch
Cayden Green, Missouri
Green is one of the better run blocking tackles in the league, which is a huge reason why Hardy, their running back, has been so good. His pass protection is good, but could certainly be better. Green started his collegiate career with the Oklahoma Sooners, but since transferring to the Tigers, he has been one of the better prospects to watch for this upcoming draft. He can play tackle, as he does right now, but will be viewed as a guy who could slide inside as a guard at the next level. That is something the Raiders will desperately need.
Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern
“Caleb Tiernan is one of the most underrated offensive line prospects in the 2026 draft class, for my money at least. At 6’7 and 325 pounds, he possesses a huge frame that is prototypical in today’s NFL. I really like Tiernan’s movement ability at that size, and he consistently uses his hands effectively to combat rushers. Tiernan plays with a sort of grit that some prospects, even at his stature, lack in the college game. You never have to worry about him finishing a play. That feels like an OL aspect that Pete Carroll would appreciate.
“He is a smart player as well, even when he does show some weakness with his anchoring. He’s got to improve when it comes to using his length to prevent rushers from getting positioning on him to transition to power as well. Occasionally, those situations throw him off, particularly in pass protection. Regardless, Tiernan is an OT who probably won’t cost a first-round (or maybe second-round) selection but makes a lot of sense for the Raiders.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports NFL Draft.
Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Crimson Tide
“I’m not sure there is a tackle in this draft that makes more sense for a Pete Carroll offense than Kadyn Proctor. One of the largest humans in the prospect pool, he is a bulldozer in the run game (both as a blocker and a ball carrier), but he is swift enough on his feet to hold up in pass protection.
“Obviously, the Raiders will be in the mix for a QB atop the draft, but we are still so far away that you don’t know how things will shake out. What we do know is that Ashton Jeanty needs someone to open up rush lanes, and whoever is playing QB in Vegas next year will need protection. Proctor offers both.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL Draft.
Carter Smith, Indiana
“During Indiana’s remarkable two-year run under Curt Cignetti, you hear a lot of names mentioned as key contributors. LT Carter Smith is one who kind of goes under the radar a bit. However, his play on the field doesn’t go under the radar to those who watch his tape. Smith is a dominant pass protector.
“In what many considered his biggest test yet of his collegiate career, Smith answered the bell vs. Oregon this year. PFF recorded him under zero pressure during the game. He’s grown into his body well, and on paper, he will check many boxes NFL teams look for at LT. People might be sleeping on Smith right now, but I expect to see him shoot up draft boards when the offseason arrives.” – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis & NFL Draft.
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